Imagine a kitchen helper that can bake cookies, roast chicken, and reheat leftovers, all while saving precious counter space. Sounds amazing, right? That’s the magic of an over-the-stove convection microwave. But with so many different models out there, picking the perfect one can feel like a real puzzle.
You want a microwave that fits your cooking needs, your kitchen style, and your budget. Do you need a powerful convection fan? How much cooking space do you really need? What about ventilation for your stovetop? These questions can make your head spin, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the technical terms and features.
But don’t worry! This post is here to guide you through the process. We’ll break down what makes a great over-the-stove convection microwave, what to look for, and how to find the one that’s just right for you. Get ready to discover how this handy appliance can transform your cooking and your kitchen.
Our Top 5 Over The Stove Convection Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over The Stove Convection Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. Sharp R1874T 1.1 cu. ft. 850W Sharp Stainless Steel Over-the-Range Convection Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.3/10
The Sharp R1874T is a powerful and versatile over-the-range microwave that can do more than just heat up leftovers. Its convection cooking feature means you can bake, broil, roast, and even crisp your food, making it a true kitchen workhorse. This stainless steel beauty is designed to fit right over your stove, saving valuable counter space while adding a sleek look to your kitchen.
What We Like:
- It’s not just a microwave; it’s a convection oven too! You can brown, bake, broil, crisp, and roast.
- The interactive display makes it easy to choose settings.
- Smart and Easy sensor settings take the guesswork out of cooking.
- The 1.1-cubic-foot interior is spacious, and the 13-inch turntable ensures your food heats evenly.
- It has a built-in exhaust system with a fan and hood light to keep your kitchen fresh and well-lit.
- Two racks are included for different cooking needs.
What Could Be Improved:
- The outer dimensions are a bit large, so measure your space carefully before buying.
- While the stainless steel interior is nice, it can show fingerprints.
If you’re looking for a microwave that offers a lot of cooking options and saves space, this Sharp model is a fantastic choice. It brings a lot of functionality to your kitchen.
2. GE PVM9179SRSS Profile 1.7 Cu. Ft. Convection Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.5/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE PVM9179SRSS Profile 1.7 Cu. Ft. Convection Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This stainless steel beauty does more than just heat food; it truly cooks! It also comes with a fantastic bundle that includes a 2-year extended protection plan, giving you extra peace of mind on top of the manufacturer’s warranty. This oven is from an authorized GE USA seller, so you know you’re getting the real deal.
What We Like:
- Air Fry Power: Enjoy crispy, delicious air-fried foods right from your microwave.
- Convection Cooking: Bake, roast, and brown like a pro with true convection heat.
- Generous Capacity: The 1.7 cu. ft. size fits larger dishes and meals.
- Fast Cook Feature: Get your food ready in a hurry with this convenient setting.
- Extended Protection: The 2-year CPS Enhanced Protection Pack offers excellent long-term security.
- Complete Package: It includes a charcoal filter kit and everything you need to get started.
What Could Be Improved:
- Dimensions: While standard, ensure the 16 5/16 H x 29 7/8 W x 17 1/4 D size fits your specific cabinet space.
- Learning Curve: With advanced features like convection and air frying, some users might need a little time to master all its capabilities.
The GE PVM9179SRSS is a versatile appliance that adds modern cooking power to your kitchen. This bundle makes it a smart and secure investment for any home chef.
3. CONTOURE RV Over-the-Range Convection Microwave Oven: 1.6 Cu.Ft.
Rating: 8.8/10
The CONTOURE RV Over-the-Range Convection Microwave Oven, model RV-450BK-OTR, brings convenience and powerful cooking to your RV kitchen. This black, 1.6 cubic foot oven boasts a 1000-watt cooking power, LED lighting, express cooking options, and a robust ventilation system, making meal prep on the go a breeze.
What We Like:
- The RapidCook Power Convection function cooks food quickly and evenly, saving you time.
- Its spacious 1.6 cu.ft. capacity and 10 power levels are great for cooking meals for the whole family.
- Preset options simplify cooking common dishes.
- Bright LED lighting helps you see your food clearly while you cook.
- The dishwasher-safe rotating glass tray makes cleanup simple.
- The dual-speed 300 CFM fan effectively removes smoke, steam, and odors from your RV.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation might require some technical skill for RV owners.
- The express cooking buttons could be more intuitive for some users.
Overall, this CONTOURE convection microwave is a fantastic addition to any RV, offering powerful features in a compact design. It’s a great way to enjoy home-cooked meals wherever your travels take you.
4. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 9.3/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven. This powerful 1000-watt microwave offers a spacious 1.9 cu.ft. capacity and smart auto-cooking features. It’s designed to make meal prep quick and easy for any home cook.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed auto menus for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 1000-watt power and ten different power settings cook food quickly and evenly.
- The bright LED cooktop lighting illuminates your stovetop for better visibility.
- A powerful 400-CFM venting fan system keeps your kitchen air fresh.
- The turntable can be turned off, so you can fit larger dishes inside.
- It includes a clock, kitchen timer, and a handy 30-second express cooking button.
- A child lock feature adds safety for families.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer more advanced smart features.
- Installation instructions are only available online.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for busy households. It combines essential features with convenience to simplify your cooking tasks.
5. Furrion 2022007898 Over-The-Range Convection RV Microwave Oven – 1.5 cu. ft.
Rating: 9.4/10
Upgrade your RV kitchen with the Furrion 2022007898 Over-The-Range Convection RV Microwave Oven. This spacious 1.5 cu. ft. stainless steel appliance is designed for life on the road, offering more than just reheating leftovers. It’s a versatile cooking tool that can handle baking, browning, and more, all while fitting neatly above your range.
What We Like:
- It has convection cooking with 10 temperature settings. This means you can bake cookies or roast chicken right in your RV!
- The bright LED display clearly shows the timer, clock, and what cooking mode you’re using.
- You can choose how it vents: either push air outside your RV for a cleaner kitchen or recirculate it inside.
- It comes with 30-watt appliance bulbs to light up your cooktop below.
- This microwave is built tough! It’s durable and vibration resistant, so it can handle all the bumps and shakes of RV travel.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers convection, the cooking times might differ from a standard home oven.
- The installation process might require specific tools or RV knowledge.
The Furrion convection microwave is a smart addition for any RVer who wants to cook a wider variety of meals. It brings home-style cooking convenience to your mobile adventures.
Choosing Your Over-the-Stove Convection Microwave: A Smart Kitchen Upgrade
An over-the-stove convection microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It saves counter space and gives you more cooking options. Let’s explore what makes a great one.
Key Features to Look For
1. Convection Cooking Power
This is the star of the show! Convection means the microwave has a fan that circulates hot air. This cooks food more evenly and gives it a nice crispy texture, just like a regular oven. Look for a convection wattage that’s high enough for good results. A good range is typically 1500 watts or more for the convection element.
2. Microwave Wattage
This is for your everyday microwaving needs. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Aim for at least 900 watts, but 1000 watts or more is even better. This will heat up leftovers quickly and cook frozen meals efficiently.
3. Venting System
Since it sits over your stove, good ventilation is crucial. It needs to pull smoke and steam away from your cooking area. Look for a powerful CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) rating. A higher CFM means it can clear the air faster. Also, check if it can vent outwards or if it recirculates air back into the kitchen.
4. Size and Capacity
Measure the space above your stove carefully! Over-the-stove microwaves come in standard widths, usually 30 inches. The interior capacity is measured in cubic feet. Think about what you’ll be cooking. A larger capacity (around 1.7 to 2.0 cubic feet) can fit bigger dishes and multiple items.
5. Interior Lighting and Turntable
A good interior light lets you see your food cooking. A turntable that rotates your food ensures even heating. Make sure the turntable is large enough for your typical plates.
Important Materials
The exterior is usually stainless steel or a coated metal. Stainless steel looks sleek and is durable. The interior is often a non-stick coating or stainless steel. Non-stick interiors make cleaning much easier.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality:
- Solid Build: A sturdy feel means it will last longer.
- Intuitive Controls: Easy-to-use buttons and a clear display make a big difference.
- Quiet Operation: A noisy microwave can be annoying. Look for models that are quieter.
- Even Cooking: Test it out by microwaving something that needs even heating, like a baked potato.
Reducing Quality:
- Flimsy Construction: A wobbly unit won’t last.
- Confusing Controls: If you have to read the manual every time, it’s not good.
- Uneven Heating: Cold spots in your food are a sign of poor performance.
- Weak Venting: If your kitchen still smells like your last meal, the vent isn’t working well.
User Experience and Use Cases
These microwaves are super versatile. You can use them for:
- Quick Meals: Reheating leftovers or cooking frozen dinners in a flash.
- Baking and Roasting: The convection feature lets you bake cookies, roast chicken, or toast bread. It’s like having a small oven right there!
- Broiling: Some models have a broil function for getting a nice crispy top on dishes.
- Steaming: Perfect for cooking vegetables quickly and keeping them healthy.
They are great for smaller kitchens where counter space is precious. Families can use them for quick weeknight dinners, and busy individuals love the convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is convection cooking?
A: Convection cooking uses a fan to circulate hot air. This cooks food more evenly and makes it crispy, like a regular oven.
Q: How much power do I need?
A: For microwaving, aim for at least 900 watts. For convection cooking, a higher wattage like 1500 watts is good.
Q: How important is the venting system?
A: Very important! It pulls smoke and steam away from your stove, keeping your kitchen fresh.
Q: What size should I get?
A: Most are 30 inches wide. Measure your space and consider how much food you usually cook.
Q: Can I bake a whole chicken in it?
A: It depends on the size. Larger capacity models can fit smaller chickens or roasts.
Q: Is it hard to clean?
A: Non-stick interiors and stainless steel exteriors are easiest to clean. Wipe up spills quickly.
Q: Does it replace my regular oven?
A: It’s a great supplement, but it might not replace a full-size oven for large meals or complex baking.
Q: What’s the difference between a microwave and a convection microwave?
A: A regular microwave heats food with waves. A convection microwave adds a fan and heating element to bake and roast.
Q: How do I install it?
A: Installation usually involves mounting it to the wall above your stove. It’s often best to have a professional do this.
Q: Are they noisy?
A: Some models are quieter than others. Reading reviews can help you find a quieter option.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!